Saturday, April 23, 2011

Didn't I tell you that a dog with Canine Addison's Disease can do Anything!!

Aidan the dog with Canine Addison's disease competes in the AKC National Agility Championship in Lexington Virgina.

I am including some notes that Karen wrote on her Facebook page about Aidan's run at the Nationals.

Karen & Aidan

"Aidan walked in like he owned the place, and paid heed to nothing but his tug, his mom, and the rabbit meat in my pocket. Same ol' Aidan, no matter what. A dog of his caliber is rare, priceless."

We stepped to the start line, and Aidan waited for the signal, and handled as well, or better, than ever before. Too bad I didn't!

I pushed him past jump 3, and after checking in with me, he proceeded to the tunnel.

We regrouped and finished what I felt was one of the best runs ever. I was proud to be show casing my little whippet.

No problem with the weave pole entrance, running A frame was perfect.

Every turn was graceful and efficient. I couldn't have asked for better.

I felt like we were dancing, our bodies practically singing with motion inspired harmony. Our time was respectable, considering the error, and I was left thinking of what could of been, but happy as well with what was.

Aidan was diagnosed with Canine Addison's disease just over a year ago. His Mom Karen is incredibly devoted to her furkids and was devastated when she diagnosed Aidan with Primary Typical Addison's disease ( yes Karen is a Vet ). She figured his agility career was over and she knew how much he loved it. Karen sought out the Canine Addison's Support Group on Yahoo and we quickly changed her mind about what Aidan could do.. She switched Aidan from Florinef to percorten and has never looked back.

When I asked Karen if I could post Aidan's pictures on my blog, her reply was, "Absolutely, I want all to know that these are awesome dogs that just happen to have Addison's."

Karen also has some video of Aidan run at the Nationals that I will put up as soon as I have it.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one. Yes, I could save one.

Geeks

About Me

Mom to 3 Labradors, 2 yellow males and 1 black female.. need a chocolate to round out the Lab crew. We have two cats, our senior lady Tramp is 19 yrs old and our newest addition Simon, or as the kids in the neighbourhood call him, "Mr. Simon".
Wife, Step Mom and Grandmother to Emma, Aselin, Desmond and Danika. I Work in Information Technology.. meaning if it involves a computer I work on it.
You will find lots of info on Canine Addison's Disease in my links. My boy Raider was diagnosed when he was a yr old in 2006. He is living a wonderful healthy life and we don't tell him he has a disease and he doesn't act like it.
Email me:
andrews_elizabeth@yahoo.ca

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